Mattress



VV. H'. VVHHE.

MATTRESS.

mmcmlow min OCT. H, i920.

079,147' Patented May24,1921.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFCE.

WILLIAM HENRY WHITE, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

MATTRESS.

maratea'.v

Application led October 11, 1920. Serial No. 415,984.

To all 'whom t may colmena:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM HENRY VHITE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los An geles and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Mattresses, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to mattresses and the like, and the principal object is the provision of a mattress adapted Jfor use by doctors, and in hospitals, for the treatment of patients. where it is necessary that the patient lie face downward upon the bed, or other support; and consists of constructing a transverse aperture in the mattress for the accommodation of the patients feet, in normal position when he is lying tace downward.

A further object is the provision of such a mattress or pad for patients receiving osteopathic treatment, and the like, wherein the patient may lie face downward for treatment of the back, with the feet lying in perfectly normal and relaxed position, and at the same time not exposed to the air.

The novel features of my invention will he further referred to in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a partthereof, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing my improved mattress.

Fig. 2 is an elevation, partly in section, showing my invention in practical use.

The mattress 10 may be of any suitable or approved design vor construction now in common use adapted to rest on suitable springs 11, the latter being supported on brackets 12 on the posts 13 and 14.

My invention consists primarily of constructing a transverse slot or aperture 15, adjacent one end 16 of the mattress 10, and extending laterally between the longitudinal sides 17 and 18. The t-ransverse slot 15 may extend entirely through the mattress 10. or it may, if desired, extend inwardly from either side.

The slot 15 may be formed in any suitable manner, either by extending the top and bottom portions of the casing or sheathing 19 and 20, respectively, into the aperture and securing them together at about its center; or it may be formed by securing an extra strip 21 to the top and bottom portions 19 and 20, as shown in Figs. l and 2. The side 23 is preferably rounded, as shown in Fig. 2,

to conform to the contour of the instep and forming a perfect rest for the feet.

The opposite side 24 of the slot 15, is formed by extending the material over its face, and this side is preferably constructed square, or parallel with the end 1G of the mattress 10. The side 24C may be reinforced, if desired, in any suitable manner, as by the insertion of a strip of wood 25. or any other suitable material. However, this reinforcing is not absolutely necessary to my invention, but is preferable in cases where the mattresses used by doctors, such as osteopaths, for the patient to brace his feet against.

A iiap 26 extending transversely across the mattress is secured to the end 16, adj acent the transverse slot 15, and is adapted to be foldable over the top 19 or the bottom 20 of the mattress. lVhen it is desired to use the mattress without using the slot 15, the flap '26 may be folded over the top and covered by the bed clothes; and when it is desired to use the slot 15 the flap 26 may be folded under the bottom 20, underneath the mattress, to keep out cold air which would otherwise pass upwardly into the slot, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. 1t may be here noted that this construction permits the mattress to be turned or reversed, as is customary. With a mattress constructed with the aperture extending inwardly from only one Side, the flap 26 could be dispensed with and the mattress turned over when it is not desired to make use ofthe transverse slot. In order to secure a comfortable supporting surface, and also a thickness to adequatelyl keep out cold drafts, the flap 26 is .preferably padded and quilted with any suitable material.

My improved mattress is likewise suitable for home use. for persons who habitually sleep face downward; and under such circumstances if desired, a suitable electric heating element may be built into theend 16. and connected with any source of electrical supply, for warming the feet in cold weather.

in practical use, a person designated at 27 lies face downwardly on the mattress 10 and the feet 28 extend downwardly into the slot 15 in perfectly normal position, the rounded portion 23 conforming properly to the curved portion or instep ofthe feet, and affording-a support which will permit perfect relaxation. As above stated, in cases of osteopathic treatments and the like, the patient may use the side 24 'of the slot l5 as a brace for the feet, and by gripping the head end of the bed,`may support himself in a comparatively rigid position Without tensino' the muscles of the body.

' ile I have here shown and described my invention in its preferred form, it is understood that I reserve the right to make any changes and modifications in structure which properly come Within the scope of the ap ndedv claims.

aving described my invention, I claim:

l. A mattress having a transverse slot intermediate its sides and adjacent one end, the inner side of said slot having rounded corners to fit the contour of the instep of the feet, the opposite side having square corners7 a transverse reinforcing in said opposite side,

and a ap secured to the said end adjacent the slot and oidable over the slot on either side of the mattress.

2. A mattress having a transverse slot intermediate its sides and adjacent one end, the inner side of saidslot being rounded to fit the contour of the instep and the opposite side being straight, and a flap secured to the said end adjacent the slot and oldable over the slot on either side of: the mattress.

3. AV mattress transversely recessed intermediate its longitudinal sides and adjacent one end, the side of the recess nearest the end being reinforced and the o posite Side being soft and rounded, and a ap oldable over the recess.

A In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

WILLLLLM HENRY WHITE. 

